On the southern shore of the famous West Lake (Xihu) in Hangzhou, directly opposite the legendary Leifeng Pagoda, is located one of the greatest monasteries of Zen Buddhism — Jingci Monastery (Monastery of Pure Compassion). Together with its "twin brother" Lingyin Monastery, it is one of the two main monasteries of the city, forming a Buddhist symbol of Hangzhou.
If Lingyin Monastery is famous for its power and cave sculptures, then Jingci Monastery attracts with its harmonious integration into the lake landscape, creating an idyllic picture where architecture, nature, and spirituality merge into one.
History and Legends: From a Prayer for a Son to a Great Temple
The monastery was founded in 954 AD during the time of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. Its creator was the powerful king of the Wuyue state — Qian Hongchu. The history of its foundation is shrouded in a pious legend. It is believed that the king built the monastery for the famous miracle-working monk Yongming Yanshou in gratitude for the birth of a son. Initially, the monastery bore the name "Yongming" in honor of its first abbot.
However, the most famous legend associated with Jingci Monastery is not the story of its foundation, but the famous folk tale "Legend of the White Snake".
Connection with Leifeng Pagoda: According to the legend, the cunning monk Fahai from Jingci Monastery is considered the main antagonist who separated the lovers — the immortal snake Bai Suzhen and the mortal youth Xu Xian. It was he who imprisoned Bai Suzhen under the Leifeng Pagoda, which stands directly opposite the monastery across the lake. Thus, the pagoda and the monastery in the context of the legend become symbols of inexorable law and asceticism, opposing the power of love.
Over its more than thousand-year history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by fires (especially in the 19th century) and restored. Most of the buildings we see today are reconstructions from the Qing Dynasty era (1644-1912) and later times, reproducing the classical architectural style.
Architectural Layout: An Axis Leading to the Lake
Unlike the terraced Yongfu Monastery, Jingci Monastery is built according to the classical principle of axial symmetry. The main halls are built along one central axis, leading from the mountains to the lake, symbolizing the path from the worldly world to the enlightened world. This axis ends right at the water`s edge, making the lake and the pagoda part of the temple complex.
Description of the Main Halls and Their Sculptures
1. Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian)
Exterior: The first impression is powerful walls, a high arch of the main entrance, and huge statues of guards on the sides.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall, as expected, sits the smiling Buddha Maitreya (Future Buddha), symbolizing joy and hospitality. Behind him, facing the main hall, stands Wei Tuo — the formidable protector of the Dharma and monastery property.
2. Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) - Main Hall
Exterior: This is the central and largest building of the complex. Its massive roof with upturned edges creates a feeling of incredible power and stability.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall, on a lotus throne, sits Buddha Shakyamuni — the historical founder of Buddhism. He is flanked by his two great disciples: Ananda (personifying wisdom and learning) and Kasyapa (personifying asceticism and strictness). On the sides of this trio are often located the Eighteen Arhats — enlightened disciples of the Buddha.
3. Hall of Guanyin (Guanyindian)
Purpose: This hall is dedicated exclusively to the bodhisattva of compassion.
Sculpture: The main object of worship here is a unique sculpture of Thousand-Armed Guanyin. The multitude of hands and eyes symbolizes the bodhisattva`s boundless ability to see all suffering in the world and help all living beings simultaneously.
4. Hall of Patriarchs (Zutang)
Purpose: This hall is dedicated to the founders and great teachers of the monastery, in particular, the first abbot Yongming Yanshou.
Sculpture: In the center there is usually a statue of Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Chan Buddhism, or of Yanshou himself. Here they honor the lineage (succession) of the teaching from teacher to student.
Views of Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake
The viewing perspective is the main "highlight" of Jingci Monastery. After passing through all the halls along the central axis, the visitor comes out to the very embankment of West Lake.
From the upper terrace, one of the most recognizable and photographed views in China opens up. Directly along the axis of the monastery, over the smooth surface of the lake, rises the Leifeng Pagoda. This composition is incredibly deep: monastery (creation of man) - lake (nature) - pagoda (spirit, legend).
"The Morning Bell of Jingci and the Evening Drum of Lingyin"
Another famous phrase describing Hangzhou is associated with the monastery: "The Morning Bell of Jingci and the Evening Drum of Lingyin". The deep sound of the bell of Jingci Monastery, carried far across the water every morning, announced the beginning of the day to the city, creating a unique acoustic atmosphere that was considered one of the "Ten Beauties of West Lake".
